# Integration points for shell elements

**URL:** <https://calculix.discourse.group/t/integration-points-for-shell-elements/766>\
**Category:** Uncategorized\
**Created:** [November 3, 2021, 11:41am UTC](https://calculix.discourse.group/t/integration-points-for-shell-elements/766 "2021-11-03T11:41:50Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![rachaelesmith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7ba0ec/32.png) [@rachaelesmith](https://calculix.discourse.group/u/rachaelesmith)\
**Post date:** [November 3, 2021, 11:41am UTC](https://calculix.discourse.group/t/integration-points-for-shell-elements/766/1 "2021-11-03T11:41:50Z")

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Hi there,

Does anyone know how the exact locations of the integration points for shell elements are determined? I understand that there will be two integration points across the shell thickness for each composite layer, does that mean they are located at the top and bottom surfaces of the layer?

Alternatively, is there any way of outputting the coordinates of the integration points?

Thanks,  
Rachael

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**Author:** ![Calc\_em](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/43a26b/32.png) [@Calc\_em](https://calculix.discourse.group/u/Calc_em)\
**Post date:** [November 3, 2021, 11:53am UTC](https://calculix.discourse.group/t/integration-points-for-shell-elements/766/2 "2021-11-03T11:53:42Z")

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Check this recent thread, it should answer pretty much all of your questions:

> [@Shell resultant stresses](https://calculix.discourse.group/t/shell-resultant-stresses/726):
>
> Hello, Is there a way of calculating shell forces (membrane, bending and shear) in Calculix? In particular, I’m interested in composite materials with a layered structure (set up as \*SHELL SECTION, COMPOSITE). Let me know and thanks in advance, Massimo

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**Author:** ![feacluster](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/calculix.discourse.group/feacluster/32/394_2.png) [@feacluster](https://calculix.discourse.group/u/feacluster)\
**Post date:** [November 3, 2021, 3:17pm UTC](https://calculix.discourse.group/t/integration-points-for-shell-elements/766/3 "2021-11-03T15:17:00Z")

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This reminds me of a script I wrote to find total forces and moments through any cross-section of solid elements in I-DEAS. Not sure if calculix can print that out ? I think abaqus can do it.